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Lamprocapnos

Q: Is Lamprocapnos natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Not typically extracted for aromatic use; primarily valued for ornamental purposes.

FLOWERS / floral · sweet · powdery

Lamprocapnos

Category	FLOWERS
Subcategory	floral · sweet · powdery
Origin
Volatility	Heart Note
Botanical	Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid (reconstructed accord)
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	Asia, North America
Pyramid	Heart

Faintly green, barely floral, and ornamental. Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is an ornamental plant with minimal scent — its perfumery role is entirely conceptual, drawing on the visual poetry of its heart-shaped flowers.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Lamprocapnos has a soft, gently sweet scent, with green, foliage-like notes and a muted floral character.

Scent Evolution

When compared to stronger floral notes such as rose or jasmine, Lamprocapnos has a lighter, airier quality. Its scent can be likened to the gentle sweetness of honeysuckle, yet it keeps its own identity. This floral note adds a soft touch to compositions.

Evolution over time

Immediately

The scent opens with a soft, sweet floral nuance

After a few hours

Over time, it maintains its delicate floral essence

After a few days

Eventually fades to a gentle green freshness

The Full Story

Lamprocapnos, commonly referred to as Bleeding Heart, is a perennial flowering plant native to parts of Asia and North America. Its scientific name, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, derives from the Greek words for 'shining' and 'head', describing its flowers. It is grown as an ornamental for its distinctive shape.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, Lamprocapnos is not a common ingredient but can contribute to the floral notes in compositions aiming for a delicate feel. Lamprocapnos flowers have a mild fragrance, soft and sweet, that, while less potent than other florals, can enhance a bouquet and add subtlety.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Sourcing this plant for perfumery is rare, mainly because it is little cultivated for aromatic purposes. It is found in botanical gardens and specialized nurseries, which sustains interest in its potential use in fragrance. Lamprocapnos is difficult to capture in perfume, which is part of its appeal.

Did You Know?

Lamprocapnos is associated with love and loss in folklore, owing to its heart-shaped blooms that appear to 'bleed' from their tips.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Lamprocapnos goes with love and loss in folklore, thanks to its heart-shaped blooms that appear to 'bleed' from their tips.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Not typically extracted for aromatic use; primarily valued for ornamental purposes

Molecular Formula	N/A — natural plant, no single molecular formula
CAS Number	N/A — ornamental flower, no commercial CAS for extract
Botanical Name	Lamprocapnos spectabilis
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	DICENTRA · BLEEDING HEART
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid (reconstructed accord)
Flash Point	> 80 °C
Specific Gravity	0.890 to 0.960 @ 25 °C
Refractive Index	1.460 to 1.510 @ 20 °C

In Perfumery

In perfumery, Lamprocapnos is a heart note, giving gentle floral aspect that complements other floral or green notes. Its subtlety allows it to works with more prominent notes, such as rose, peony, or lily of the valley. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable for creating soft, romantic fragrances that carries feelings of nostalgia and beauty, often used in spring or summer compositions.